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Orange denies exec's Apple tablet 'confirmation'

Comments taken out of context, truth lost in translation

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Orange France has denied reports that a company executive admitted the existence of Apple’s much-rumoured iPad tablet.

In a recent interview – available here - Stephane Richard, Orange France's deputy CEO, responded to questions about Apple tablet. Many observers took his words as confirmation that the device exists and will launch through Orange.

However, the company has since said that Richard’s comments “in no way reflect Orange’s confirmation of the existence of the rumoured device”.

Apparently, Richard was “merely confirming that he is aware of the speculation surrounding a launch”, Orange France told publication paidContent:UK. The stories were “a few comments taken out of context, then interpreted into English”, the company claimed.

Such denials are commonplace when details break about long-awaited gadgets, so Orange France’s statement will do little to halt the iPad rumour mill.

Apple is expected to hold an event in San Francisco on 27 January, so we will just have to wait until then to hear what the company has to say. ®